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Grateful DeadGrateful Dead Live at Alpine Valley Music Theatre on 1989-07-19 (July 19, 1989)

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Collection: : GratefulDead
Band/Artist: Grateful Dead
Date: July 19, 1989 (check for other copies)
Venue: Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Location: East Troy, WI

Source: DSBD> DAT> CD> eac> SHN
Keywords: Live concert

Description

Hell In A Bucket, Sugaree, Mama Tried-> Mexicali Blues, Althea, Victim Or The Crime-> West L.A. Fadeaway, Desolation Row-> Deal Box Of Rain-> Foolish Heart-> Looks Like Rain, Terrapin Station-> Drums-> Jam-> The Other One-> The Wheel-> Morning Dew, E: Turn On Your Love Light

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Reviewer: Seamus the Black - - July 4, 2008
Subject: That's MY name!
I shuck-n-jived a security guard to let me in on the main floor, and I got placed directly in front of the mixer! Like, right in the middle! You can just barely hear me roar "That's MY name!" after Jerry sings "settle back easy, Jim." in Althea. It was like he was singing directly to me.

This was the night after perhaps the most revelatory and cosmic experiences in my entire life. Next to me in front of the sound board was a guy who said he had ridden 500 miles in the rain on a motorcycle to be there next to me! He was so kind. I was one with you all that night/day/night, and will remember it till the end of time.

Every song smokes, this show is second only (of the ones i have heard) to the previous night's.

Miss U Jerry );

Reviewer: skr213 - - July 1, 2008
Subject: Great, but not that great
Overall: great show. Great recording. The entire band is firing on all cylinders, no weak links. But like the previous two nights, I think it’s been slightly over-hyped over the years. I think Cal Expo and Greek after these shows were just as good. It’s particularly odd when someone says “best of 89.” I mean, seriously! These things are subjective, of course, but I just don’t see how there can be much real debate that this was a better show than 10/9 (or even 10/8).

The scene: as everyone has noted, this was the worst night of the three, weather-wise. Constant rain. Everyone was waterlogged already from yesterday, and then it just never stopped raining this whole day and night. Luckily, I don’t remember being too cold during the show. After this night, only Tanner and I continued on in the bus, with everyone else catching their various rides back east. We were off to the beautiful adventures of the west coast.

The music: very well played first set. Jerry’s backing vocals on Desolation are really nice (always my favorite Dylan cover). Foolish Heart is really spectacular – when Jerry leads the band to the stop/start section, and then keeps going to extend the jam and then leads back for a second stop/start – that section is some real sweetness. Hard to believe it was only a year before when we were sitting up on that hill hearing that tune for the first time. For people who know guitar terms, listen to all the hammer-ons and trills that Jerry and Bobby throw back and forth at each other throughout the show, especially nice during Sugaree and Foolish. Brent on Foolish proves how much he was worth to the band. LLR is nice, but not outstanding. Other One and Dew are both very nice as well.

Reviewer: sydthecat2 - - April 22, 2008
Subject: Yow!
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this one! I've just read the other reviews so I have little to add really. There are few shows I saw that match it (Deer Creek, first night, the following summer comes awfully close) and you won't find better versions of Bucket (could there have been a more appropriate song in that disaster area?)West LA, Sugaree (Essen '81 comes close), Deal or the whole second set. The show was short because the weather was so awful but whatta show they gave us! I remember the only time it stopped raining was during Drums and Space. As the band began teasing The Other One, the clouds over the stage parted and a fat full moon (that we had danced under two nights before to Standing on the Moon)was revealed. The crowd on the lawn howled! They played an outstanding Other One and just as it was winding up the clouds closed again on the moon and by the time the Wheel began, it was raining again. By show's end I had soaked my last set of dry shoes and drove back to Toronto afterwards (no way could our tent survive another night of that!) wearing a pair of ill-fitting moccasins my girlfriend had made me.

I have always been surprised that they chose the first show of this run for the Downhill From Here video. It's a nice show---the whole run was great---but this night was very special and the crowd and the band knew it. I would have released the whole third show here, complete with shots of the donwpour. What a document it would be! It is nice that a few of the first set numbers made it on.

Reviewer: TheWaY - - April 21, 2008
Subject: No mistake, this beast is alive.
These continue to be some of my favorite shows.

Absolutely impeccable.

Reviewer: Vivafiniz - - April 16, 2008
Subject: WOW
The hype is legit on this one. This show smokes from start to finish. Unreal. Cosmic. Epic. The whole nine.

Too bad we can't DL it. (Thanks Phil/Bob)

Reviewer: ststephen49 - - April 16, 2008
Subject: To the stars...
Moved from St. Louis, which was a great Dead outpost in the late 60's and early 70's( remember the Fox Theatre) when I took a job in Wisconsin in 1985 and was delighted to find Alpine less than 30 minutes away. These 3 shows were everything everyone has said about 'em, having summed up the run in such wonderful and graphic detail. We were all on the same starship that run of shows. Knew there was rain on the horizon for the last show so I just wore a knee-length tie-dye I got at the Spring '89 Mecca shows in town, put my glasses in my fanny pack and turned my head to the stars and took off. Brought along the woman in my life who I'd taken to one show the year before, her first show, since she grew up as a Junior League kinda suburban mom. The enhancements were strong & clean and we strapped in for the ride. Her mind was blown by the 2nd song, being her guide for the night I buzzed above her high enough to enjoy while still keeping her safe. By the 2nd set she was crusing so I decided to cut loose my anchor to the 3rd dimension and with the Rain songs, Foolish Heart and a stunning Terrapin, by the time Jerry hit Dew, I was charting the same course the Cassini probe was to follow towards Saturn some years later. Jerry's vocals on Dew were cosmic to my mind, the strength & energy produced in those moments had to be felt to be truly appreciated and I achieved that perculiar state of bliss that I feel can only come at a Dead show, heading out among the stars surrounded by all the love and protection provided by the energy of all of us and the music as gifted to us by the boys. These moments make this incarnation so sweet...my thanks to all.

Reviewer: DougEFresh1260 - - April 4, 2008
Subject: E gads!
Dear Grateful Dead:

WHERE IS THE VIDEO FOR THESE 3 NIGHTS?!

How about a 3 dvd box set, one disk for each night?

Reviewer: Joshua43214 - - December 23, 2007
Subject: unreal
This is one of my all time favorite shows. Those of us that where there knew it was special when it happened, and you can hear it in the recording.

One of the best all time Athea's, Terrapin's, and Morning Dew's ever. All three stand out.

Reviewer: 12/15/72 - - December 11, 2007
Subject: deal
I agree, if you're reading these posts you should drop everything and hear this deal, it's deep....

Reviewer: Wake of the Flood One - - November 30, 2007
Subject: Amazing still after 18 years....
This is the pinnacle...
I remember when they got back from this tour, and was fortunate to know a family member of one of the band...
I was invited over to the house and they were cranking a DAT board copy of one of the 3 Alpine shows on Brand new huge speakers...testing out a new audio system...it was soooo unreal, I knew this was the gods shining down on me......(I remember Music Never Stopped pulsating...)....
Anyways, after seeing 200 + shows, I can safely say this is the most important period of the Band, healthy, and top of their games musically like never before....its dripping with passion, and a feel that they were trying to tighten up each note more incredibly than the last, each breath of air, more sparkling than the last...Check out Sacto 8-6-89 also.

Reviewer: Evan S. Hunt - - November 26, 2007
Subject: Connections: Perfect; Condtions: Peerless
Absolute marvel wonder of a performance and presentation. Utter impeccable capture of a band cutting all nine.

This show rates 10 stars.

Reviewer: jalloyd - - November 12, 2007
Subject: I was there
This was my third year at Alpine. We drove up in a caravan from Alabama via Deer Creek. The first night was dry and clear, thus the SOTM in the second set was especially kind. Out in the lot we were listening to The Who doing Tommy live in NYC via radio. The rain started late on the 17th or early the 18th. Rain was on/off most of the second day but evolved into a nearly constant downpour by the end of the second night. By the 19th everything was mud.

The first set on of the 19th is an amazingly dark and cautionary selection of music. Think about it, Going to hell in a bucket. Sugaree, with its tales of last requests before death and meeting in the afterlife. Mama Tried, the tale of a man doing life in prison without parole. Mexicali blues, the tale of a man who caught VD from a 14 year old whore and then kills a man at her insistence. Althea, with themes of love & death. Victim, so obviously and vulgarly dark and foreboding that there is little to add but to note the supremecy of this particular version. West LA, the death of John Belushi with an extra long bridge jam. Desolation Row, the name speaks for itself here and Bobby gets all the words right. And finally, Deal, telling us that we always have choices, that we can make good decisions and make the right things happen if we are patient and willing to hold our cards. A last bit of light and the end of a ten-song first set filled with death and destruction, in a mud filled pit, populated by 40,000 very high people.

Reviewer: JamminJerome - - November 2, 2007
Subject: WAHOOOOO!
This is one of those shows that just lifts your spirits no matter how down you are. Every moment of this show is incredible. Highlights include Morning Dew and West LA Fadeaway and (if you'll believe it) VICTIM - one of the best I've heard. This show is absolutely one of the best of 1989 and is one of the better overall shows.

Reviewer: McVootie - - November 2, 2007
Subject: Good One!
Wow! This is about as good as it got during that era. Wish I had been there. Looks like the rain and mud only contributed to the fun for many! I can remember a couple of rainy ones at Saratoga Springs...

Excellent sound quality on this one!

Reviewer: Trevor tnt Toll - - September 13, 2007
Subject: holly shit
The best foolish ever they go around twice in the peak of the song it is so sick it gives me shivers.5 stars just for that. Wish i was there.

Reviewer: SkiDead - - August 24, 2007
Subject: Great sound, great show!
I've been listening to this site for years and this is my first review of probably the best Grateful Dead show I ever witnessed (1986-1994). Woa the band was tight! Listen to Bobby's guitar, it sounds like he was firing a six shooter from a hip holster. Jerry was in top form, lucid and crisp on guitar and vocals, and also quite animated on stage. Brent was splashing keys everywhere in some of his best playing I think ever. Rythm devils were driving it and Phil laid down the huge fat bottom. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the power they displayed on this night. How about the seamless Mamma Tried> Mexicali> Althea? The DEAL! The Foolish Heart of all things! I think all of Alpine took off on a magic carpet ride during foolish heart. I remember the crowd going absolutely f'ing nuts! There was a fitting Box of Rain, more rain and then a MONSTER, crushing Terrapin! With the exception of the Wheel, which kind of fell off at the end, and a song selection here or there, this was as good as it got in '89. Twenty-plus years of musical evolution came pouring down on us along with the rain. It was a beautiful thing.

Reviewer: jake5 - - July 26, 2007
Subject: Last Alpine
This was the last one for me. I took in every moment I could while there because I knew it would be the last time for me. I own the DVD and still pop it in and watch by myself. The wife will never get it.....like anybody who never had the luck to make that trip.
Highlights were for sure the Terrapin. Oh and running to my buddies car in the main lot in a downpour after one of the shows to get a bottle of Southern Comfort out of the trunk. By the time we got to the tent on the golf coarse...it was gone.
Good thing I ripped these before they shut it down

JK

Reviewer: NBCT - - July 15, 2007
Subject: the best Space
I can't believe nobody has commented on the Space jam from this date. This has got to be the most focused and melodic Space ever performed. The potential of the MIDI setup is powerfully realized, most notably by Jerry. There is a distinct, mind-f-ing climax approaching the 10 minute mark, just before going into The Other One.
This is some of the most interesting music ever performed, and I suspect it comes very close to the kind of music that Jerry heard in his head.

Reviewer: Mushy1 - - June 15, 2007
Subject: Missed the show by 10 minutes
Ive listen to this show 100 times, if not more. I was sitting in Big Rapids Michigan at Ferris State waiting for my ride to go to Alpine, and the freind that was driving had a family emergency, and had to go home. I really wish i could have been there, sounds like all the KIDS had a great time. Greatest versions of "Mama Tried" and "Desolation Row" Ive ever heard. Forever Gone, Forever DEAD!!!

Mushy

Reviewer: AlpineHead - - May 19, 2007
Subject: Shivers
We attended every Alpine show from '82 thru this one... Alot of great shows... From Beatles 'Do it in the Road' to Jerry trying to sing 'Blackbird' twice in the same night... Alot of Alpine shows during this period that it's almost impossible to select a best because each, as always, provided it's own highlights and aura.... Yet to Me ?, when I hear this rendition of 'Looks Like Rain' it just sense shivers down My spine, and creates a flashback on so many experiences that I can only regret never to have to opportunity of living them out again while appreciating the reality of knowing that I had so many precious moments to have the honor of remebering... It's not about tearing apart every tune technically.. Not a matter of whether Jerry was ON or OFF... Not a matter of whether it was too hot, too cold, or too wet... It was all about a sense of community no other band was ever able to replicate... It was about Meatless hotdogs for a 1$... It was about how I sold hugs for a 1$ only to give the 1$ back because they hugged Me too, and that had the same value as mine... It was about togetherness with the sweetest sounds as the background, and the reason... It was about a Band that allowed us a sense of Freedom that should've reminded us all that it's what this country should be all about... For what we did as a DEAD community wasn't being done anywhere else in this world... And it's about appreciating the Band that enabled for these greatest feelings, and experiences that so many of us cherish the memories of. With those shivers I'll always remember.

Reviewer: caspersvapors - - April 21, 2007
Subject: fantastic show in a fantastic month
few points in the dead's career are more on the July 89

my favorite Sugaree ever, Jerry hits such sweet notes, and hes on fire through the whole middle jam. and dont miss the monster West LA

Reviewer: TheOtherOne1 - - April 8, 2007
Subject: Epic
"Epic" is right. As if the two previous nights weren't killer. This one was unforgettable. What a mess with all the rain!

I went to see The Who a few days later. Great band, but what a buzz-kill. "The lawn" had all these craters throughout, and it was impossible to quit thinking about the bomb that had been dropped a few days earlier.

Alpine was really something, and as the previous reviewer so aptly put it, nice to have and bring-out at will anytime.

Reviewer: bencterry - - March 9, 2007
Subject: Best 1st Set of Alpine 89'
The first set of this show just SMOKES. The Sugaree>Mama Tried>Mexicali>Althea is just ridiculous. I'm not a big Victim fan, but coupled with one of my favorite Althea's ever played, it works well. The West L.A.>Desolation Row>Deal was SO SICK that they had to include it on the DVD, Downhill From Here, which showcases 7/17's GLORIOUS 2nd set. But I like the setlist here. I love Foolish Heat, and it works great with a Box of Rain prelude. The Terrapin thru Morning Dew just smokes. Hard to rate these 3 shows, they're definetely all 5 stars. But I do believe this is the best 1st set of the best 3 night stand in Grateful Dead history - go see live music!

Reviewer: Four Winds - - November 14, 2006
Subject: Oh for a time machine and a raincoat
This is a true gem. Not a diamond in the rough but a multifaceted polished gem that refracts brightness and light.

This one hits the ground running and never stops. Every song hits its mark and more.

I was kind of skeptical when I say all the 5 stars and clearly the people that saw this show had great fondness for it. After listening to this one, I can see how those folks have it etched in their memories.

I never try to get pulled into the best of this or the best of that era.

All I will say is that this concert is why we went to see the Dead beacause at any given venue at any given time there is was the potential for pure magic.

Reviewer: 67chinacat - - October 27, 2006
Subject: Woodstock II
I was at this show and if there was ever a time to rival the first Woodstock, this was it! The rain, the mud, the smiles... not to mention the little pieces of "paper" with a picture of Woodstock from the peanuts comics. Remember the kites flying in the rain? I swear someone was playing the Peanuts theme in the middle of the night, one of those nights. It was truely heaven on earth. The most magical three days of my life.

Reviewer: EdgeHead - - October 2, 2006
Subject: 7-17 pulled
As a reminder, the 7-17 show was pulled because it has been released as Down Hill From Here. It's a great dvd. Go buy it so Bobby can afford to go on tour with Ratdog.

Reviewer: justoldalph - - August 18, 2006
Subject: Good news for music fans
A certain site gdlive ot-day om-cay is back on line and I see 2 shows from July 17 and July 18, 1989 in the mp3 section there. For an old timer who digs all sounds while Pigpen was around, these sets sound sweet. 4 1/2

Reviewer: ice9 - - July 11, 2006
Subject: Wisconsin 1989
Remember the mud. Tent city never looked better.

Reviewer: DandyBear - - June 29, 2006
Subject: Smokin!
Have to agree with the last review. Tight show, Perhaps the best of '89. Its a shame 7/17 is missing.

Reviewer: another one - - June 26, 2006
Subject: words arnt good enough
i would have to say that this is the best dead concert of 89. everyone onstage is on fire. suagree, deal, and the other one > the wheel are all outstanding (my favorite other one ever).
Do yourself a favor and give this show a good listin.

almost forgot to add, the 7/17 show that is missing from archives (used to be up, dont know where it went) is also very tight, with a kick ass China Cat > I Know You Rider > Playin > Uncle Johns Band > Standing on the Moon
if anyonne ever gets the chance to listin to the 7/17 take it and run!

Reviewer: cosmicsunflower - - June 17, 2006
Subject: Life changing
This show is incredible, IMO one of the best during/post Touchhead era...They are all right on, especially Jerry, how he tickles my soul with those riffs...Thanks to IA for having this on here, I would love to have a copy since it blew my mind as a child...I remember dancing to foolish heart and having an out of body experience....hmmm

Reviewer: laughingwillow - - June 10, 2006
Subject: Want to hear a dirty joke?
Looking back, I can honestly say this show was probably the most fun I've had with the Dead. The whole run was a blast.

However, before the start of this first set, standing in the cold, sputtering rain, I had my doubts. I was wearing a plastic bag in an attempt to stay dry. An older head approached and told me to take the bag off. He said I already knew I was going to get wet when the music kicked up, and I might as well get with the program right then and there. So I tore the plastic bag off and headed for the first grassy knoll behind the seats to prepare to boogie. The knoll was slippery as hell, so I wiggled my toes into the mud until my feet were anchored in place. The music started up and many folks walking past my perch were fooled into approaching close enough that they lost their footing and slid down the hill on their collective backs. It was sooo funny.

However, the second set cuddle-puddle/mud wrestling extravaganza that took place on the grassy lake during the Other One was an expression of ultimate freedom and abandon, imo. The look on the group of locals' faces who watched the cosmic water festivities from the safety fo the sidewalk was worth the price of admission.

lw

Reviewer: GumpyGuppy - - June 7, 2006
Subject: Althea
how bout bobby's slick rippin in Althea? Never heard him so aggressive. w/ regards to the Deal, I think there are some sweeter JGB versions from 90. Just listen to the double disc version. Did anyone ever catch that PBS special they did on Dead's last run at Alpine? It showed the whole scence and was long if I recall. Wish we could dig that kinda stuff up. IRIE!

Reviewer: Phillyslim - - June 6, 2006
Subject: Holy #$%#
I am listening to a cut up stream of Jerry's Dew and MY GOD I have never heard him SHOUT before!! WOW!!!

Reviewer: DancingWolf - - June 6, 2006
Subject: The Greatest Show Ever Seen
I've got to tell you guys... you don't know what you're talking about if you weren't there... in the mud and the rain and the rain and the rain... to here and feel and see and smell and dance to that Morning Dew. Part of me... is still there on that last night, dancing in the rain and the lightning with the thunder. I managed to see Jerry and the boys over 70 times between 85 and when the miracle moved on... but that Morning Dew. I almost don't even want to hear the recording. I'm already just about in tears... having just purchased an iPod and finally getting into iTunes and everything it means... I found this site and so many miracles of yesteryear and I am GRATEFUL to the founders of this Web site. At the same time, I've found sincere sadness that I thought I'd left behind me... because I never thanked Jerry personally. And I think he needed it. I am OUTRAGED by all you morons who dare to comment on his relative performance abilities as the years passed on... because he gave and gave till the end... and anyone who can criticize even the last performances... can go to hell without a bucket... because you obviously missed the whole show and were obviously the ones who caused the problems at the shows near the end if you were even there. I remember you, too... it didn't matter how many shows you saw, it could have been one show in '94... you either got it or you didn't. I feel sorry for you that didn't get it, because maybe you never will. And for those of you who did, and do... for the faithful... let us never forget to thank the ones who give so much for our soul-healing... like Jerry did. And for the opportunity to experience three days in the middle of nowhere, even in the pouring rain and foot thick mud... because the music was god. And we... had each other. Maybe we still do.

Reviewer: mikeydead - - June 4, 2006
Subject: Let this Deal go down
This Deal knocks the top off of Shoreline a month earlier. Best Deal of all time??? Can anyone come up with a better one from this era?

Reviewer: jfolks - - March 29, 2006
Subject: DEAL
omniboy's review says it all. this is the best deal i've ever heard! the song is amazing, but the end jam absolutely BLOWS MY MIND! i can only imagine how loud it was in person, but luckily i have the whole pro-shot vid from this show! check out the desolation>DEAL now!!! Alpine Valley was possibly the peak of the gd, my favorite run. aaaahh, that sweet, sweet summer of 89...

Reviewer: rick e. - - March 19, 2006
Subject: 7/19/89
One of the best shows of summer .Also I thought that JGB at Merriweather in September was one of the best of the year.

Reviewer: DavidGlasses - - February 28, 2006
Subject: Such sweet music
Wow-- how much I wish I'd seen shows like this. Such a smooth Sugaree.

Reviewer: gavinonymous - - February 19, 2006
Subject: a miracle show
I can't say enough how incredible the week at alpine valley was, let alone the long strange trip to get there. Rain-soaked, no ticket, and without a way home to Toronto became a miracle ticket (as some people were leaving before the whole lot became a hopeless mudpit) - one of the greatest events I've ever been to (the drummers, the mudslides, the incredible exchange of crowd/band energy) and finally, meeting some friendly faces who would take me all the way back to my front door in a comfy hearse.

Reviewer: omniboy - - January 18, 2006
Subject: don't let that deal go down
this is the best deal i've ever heard.

Reviewer: Thunderman - - January 13, 2006
Subject: WOW!!!!!
This show is like no others from the late 80's. These three nights are pure magic, I wish I had been there. All I can see in my mind is how the band is meshing with the audience during Althea into a large colective organism that is experiencing one giant orgasm, over and over again. I think the Althea alone is the reason to get this show. God what a band, what awesome music. Brings tears to my eyes reading all these reviews.

Reviewer: danstratman - - December 19, 2005
Subject: managing the state
I remember this show! Holy cats! How dreadful I thought it was. Cold. Rainy. everything soaked. Heartbroken. Then I just streamed this in and thought man what an f***in' show! I was here? Bet your a** I was! Timing and lyrics mostly right on and Jerry's a wailing on the leads with authority whilst Bobbys lays down fluid rythymn notes under the thunder of Phil. Glancing sympathetic looks from Jerry on the big sceen while we wiggle in rain trying to stay warm. I attended this awesome show! Now I know in my wisdom and reinforced here, whatever the state you may be in at a point in time, and things ain't goin' your way, try to make the best of it and ramble on..

Thanks for rekindling the memories...Peace

Reviewer: danstratman - - December 19, 2005
Subject: managing the state
I remember this show! Holy cats! How dreadful I thought it was. Cold. Rainy. everything soaked. Heartbroken. Then I just streamed this in and thought man what an f***in' show! I was here? Bet your a** I was! Timing and lyrics mostly right on and Jerry's a wailing on the leads with authority whilst Bobbys lays down fluid rythymn notes under the thunder of Phil. Glancing sympathetic looks from Jerry on the big sceen while we wiggle in rain trying to stay warm. I attended this awesome show! Now I know in my wisdom and reinforced here, whatever the state you may be in at a point in time, and things ain't goin' your way, try to make the best of it and ramble on..

Thanks for rekindling the memories...Peace

Reviewer: Mars245 - - December 3, 2005
Subject: love for the people...
this seems one of those beautiful sets of shows where the band sends all its love back to the Aud. Not so much they came to play , but they came to love ya all for being some of the best audiences any band ever knew. Think the band was lovin' it as much as you were , and seem wonderfully touched themselves throughout . These are all lovely shows thru and thru , each song offered up as it were a gift .

So take a bow all you lovely dreamers ...who came with free hearts flying ... to listen ,to cheer , to love , to dance ....as we all were meant to be from the beginning . Solidly beautiful...smooth tender & sweet.

PS: If you don't like this , then go out and make some music of yer own! ;-)

Reviewer: dmilks - - November 17, 2005
Subject: 7-19-89
This show was the goods. It rained like hell and the place was a mudpit by the end of this night. This is no doubt at least a 4 star show. All three night of Alpine 89 were epic to say the least.

Tito, three stars for this? And three stars for RFK 95, what is up with that? I am sorry, but there is no comparison, this show smokes RFK 95 by many many universes.

Reviewer: Dead_Phish24 - - October 12, 2005
Subject: Good Time
Wow this show brings back so many good memories, from the car ride from the chicago burbs all the way to Alpine. The smells, the people the microdot, I miss those days, but I Have them in thought and can bring them out anytime. The Hell in a Bucket, just starts off so powerful and sweet , and all you can do is let start you to dance away, up and down that lawn. Alpine Valley sweeps were the best of times, this last of a good sweep in 1989 was pretty much it. The boys planted memories for ever to grow in us, Thanks Jerry, Bob, Phil, Mickey, Billy, and Brent...Peace to you all....Go see DSO

Reviewer: Rolokan - - September 14, 2005
Subject: smooth and loose
As a big fan of the late 80's and early 90's when I was finally old enough that I could go on tour, these remain some of my favorite shows of that era. With this run at Alpine, not only were the boys on, Bobby has a looseness to his playing that opens the sound in a way that I have not heard since a decade prior. Maybe it is just the wide open mellow Alpine venue that makes it, in any case this is a run where it all comes together. If you have any questions, just listen to Masterpiece. Oh and the Fat Man rocks!

Damn those were good times.

Reviewer: brion8 - - August 23, 2005
Subject: Awesome show
Agree with everyone here. Just a great overall show. Don't overlook the Sugaree though. A smoking hot version. One of my favorites!

Reviewer: hyperboy - - August 16, 2005
Subject: Beautiful!!!!!
I agree with Trannyman. Why didn't they just release all three nights in their entirity on DHFH DVD? There are too many incredible songs left off the DVD. IMO, these three nights are the best "post coma" dead shows....PERIOD! They have it all...and the boys are playing so well together...the energy is electric from the first note of Good Times on 7/17 all the way through the last note of Lovelight on 7/19. Actually, if I were older and could have seen any shows after 1978, these would be the ones. PURE MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviewer: Catfishlure - - August 5, 2005
Subject: In Regards to others coomments
Stop rating shows on set-list Hoolish fart that is a lame comment no one cares if you like the song Jerry liked it so whats the differrence was he suppose to play 60's and 70's shows in the 80's soo if it was possible to think on this therry you have came up with if Jerry was still playing today someone would be crying about why don't they play foolish heart anymore or how this new song sucks and the way back when....yada yada yada stop it and start fishing for catfish ya jerk!!!!!_!!!.crybaby FYI Kick ass Foolish and Killer Dead Show from the 80's

Reviewer: skwimite - - July 27, 2005
Subject: Hoolish Fart
I'm willing to go along with the crowd regarding the Foolish Heart, but I never cared that much for it in the first place. The energy of all three of these shows is probably as good as "latter-day" Dead gets, and if you like this vintage, by all means download them, although the vocals seem a bit buried on this one. I like the DVD of the 17th alright, but I really left my heart in the 60's and '70's. 5 for the faithful...3 from me. Split the difference.

Reviewer: Germain - - June 24, 2005
Subject: most excellent
I admit to being biased to the Dead of the 60's and 70's but I find myself playing this show over and over. Superb sound quality; the boys were tight all night with the energy of earlier days. If I were turning on a newbee, this show would be one I would include on my list of check this one out. Enjoy!!

Reviewer: Germain - - June 24, 2005
Subject: most excellent
I admit to being biased to the Dead of the 60's and 70's but I find myself playing this show over and over. Superb sound quality; the boys were tight all night with the energy of earlier days. If I were turning on a newbee, this show would be one I would include on my list of check this one out. Enjoy!!

Reviewer: lobster12 - - June 9, 2005
Subject: fantastic
Great way to cap a monster run of shows. Highlight among many highligts is the outstanding "deal". Falling just short of the greatest of all time( shoreline only a month earlier has my vote). Either way you get 2 jaw dropping version of that tune within days. Just awesome

Reviewer: early 80's meltdown - - May 29, 2005
Subject: Right on- Alpine Valley !
I agree previous review in that this 3 night run seems to be seamless.Some of the best Dead in this past decade. It was all there to qualify that statement. Aside from being at all 3 and had seen the Dead alot , they were peaking as a band again in 89 also spring-summer tour 90. The sets were hot/song selection, kick ass outdoor venue and other than rain I remember the 18th a beautiful mid west summer day and some spots first and last day. The rain was bad and I witnessed the mud slide which I'll never get no matter how high. I was chillin in the venue looking behind me and thinking wow are those dudes crazy for sliding in the mud. Woodstock summer of love 89, the sixties all over. I know plenty of slipped by mistake or accident but some were playin in the mud. Any way unbelievable stuff and this definetly ranks high on my personal best times, these are my favorite memories this 3 day pschedelic experience with the Dead and friends, I was 18 and having the summer of my life and the Dead were on a roll, even hotter than the Greek this time around which isn't an easy task. I'am still blown away by this Althea , Jerry's solos are so sweet with that reverby effect and the same on the Desolation Row solos, He nails em' big time. As mentioned above no need to single out songs, all are awesome and right on the mark. I remember starting to get off to Sugaree grooving with the crowd and bouncing around. wow, it was truely a beautiful experince. Wish I could do it all over again,starting with my friends gathering at my parents house at the time. The Dead Head tail gate party started there and neighbors in middle suburbia were gaulking at the stickerd up cars and tye-dyes.
Happy Trails......

Reviewer: Jobygoob - - April 21, 2005
Subject: Last shows at Alpine Valley...
7/19/89 was the last time the Grateful Dead played at Alpine Valley Music Center, before they were banned from the arena by the local city council. This whole three show run could arguably be held up as the finest example of latter day Dead. That's probably why GDP decided to release an amalgam of these three shows for the video release "Downhill From Here."

Maybe it's because I was at these shows, but for me the three of them work as a set...no one of them is complete without ther other two, even though all three stand on their own as excellent performances. Download all three, they sound terrific, and enjoy!

btw my memory of the event was that the whole place was a dry dustbowl for two days then the rain came pourin' down heavy and strong on day three (hence the Box/LLR in the 2nd set). People were so glad for a respite from the heat they were flinging themselves down the muddy hill in the lawn section all throughout the last show.

Reviewer: tivo - - March 25, 2005
Subject: we spend our time peeking in...
... on desolation row.

what a time we had at this last stint @ Alpine! We all most definitely made THE best of it.

Reviewer: Tito&Smokey - - March 23, 2005
Subject: WOW
Big Time Foolish Heart

Reviewer: Ripple vonK - - March 3, 2005
Subject: The Rainbow and Box of Rain
I remember sitting way back in the lawn, soaking wet in the rain, when they opened the second set with Box of Rain, looking down over the covered seats and into the valley seeing a rainbow. This second set was one of my favorites, ever. I am so happy to have this show and the quality is awesome, like I was there again.

Reviewer: flashbackmagic - - February 9, 2005
Subject: desolation row
mmmmmm the perfect appetizer. Nothing like bobby doing bobby, bobby D that is!

Reviewer: dano009 - - February 1, 2005
Subject: Mudfest
These Alpine shows were my first at this venue. I remembered it rained all three shows. Of all of the outdoor shows I've seen, these three are probably my all time favorites. Brent was really strong and so was Jerry. I'll never forget the rain and the totally incredible music.

Reviewer: floydtrane - - December 20, 2004
Subject: My first 89 show...
This is the first '89 show I have ever downloaded and listened to. I forgot how much I love Foolish Heart...and at times, it hurts to hear it. In my humble opinion, this show is worth the download, and I think is the best of the three shows at Alpine...

Reviewer: Uffel - - December 20, 2004
Subject: Killer Terrapin!
The Terrapin is my favourite version, listened to it in the car recently, I almost had to stop as I was near crying, they play around with the instrumental at the end for about 6 and a half minutes!!! 1989 and the first half of 1990 to me are simply the Brent years. There are a lot of shows with Brent in not-from-this-world form. This is one, as I said before, check out that Terrapin. Sound quality matches up the performance (i.e. near perfect).

Reviewer: Grateful - - November 13, 2004
Subject: An Absolute favorite
The rain made the grass a mess so I was very happy to have reserved seating. The second set is one of my favorites of all time. The Box of Rain was a nice opener, the Foolish Heart is my favorite ever - Jerry's solo is incredible, the LL Rain is solid and fitting, and the Terrapin is beautiful. The Morning Dew, however, is the highpoint for me and it is my all time favorite. Brent's organ playing throughout is magical especially the punctuation he adds during the "You never seen those people anyway" line and in the crescendo of the last guitar solo. When Jerry gets to the young man moaning, he is on fire and that fire blazes in the guitar solo that immediately follows. The final solo starts silently and builds up nicely - teh way a MD should - to a powerful end. The Lovelight encore was pretty average, but at that point we didn't care.

Reviewer: Grateful - - November 13, 2004
Subject: An Absolute favorite
The rain made the grass a mess so I was very happy to have reserved seating. The second set is one of my favorites of all time. The Box of Rain was a nice opener, the Foolish Heart is my favorite ever - Jerry's solo is incredible, the LL Rain is solid and fitting, and the Terrapin is beautiful. The Morning Dew, however, is the highpoint for me and it is my all time favorite. Brent's organ playing throughout is magical especially the punctuation he adds during the "You never seen those people anyway" line and in the crescendo of the last guitar solo. When Jerry gets to the young man moaning, he is on fire and that fire blazes in the guitar solo that immediately follows. The final solo starts silently and builds up nicely - teh way a MD should - to a powerful end. The Lovelight encore was pretty average, but at that point we didn't care.

Reviewer: bbqshoes - - August 6, 2004
Subject: Mmmmmmmmuddd, baby
These shows were truly unforgettable. I was at #1 and #3. This night I remember mud, mud, more mud, and some amazing music. Foolish Heart, Deal, Box of Rain, and Morning Dew, to name a few. These shows are some of the ones to give your friends on CD when they ask you why you're a deadhead.

Reviewer: timblor - - July 23, 2004
Subject: Desolation Row!!
One of the highlights of this show is the West L.A. Fadeaway> Desolation Row> Deal portion of the 1st set. As much as I didnt like the idea that they tacked this onto the end of the first set of the "Downhill from Here" DVD, which is mostly 7/17, it works.

Jerry is on fire during West L.A. The highlight of the Desolation Row is Jerry adding some backup vocals "..where lovely mermaids flow...". His voice gives the song a certain ambience and a level of engagement that I find lacking on other versions. The Deal is no slouch either.

Reviewer: JimF. - - July 21, 2004
Subject: Foolish Heart!!
The best Foolish Heart ever? Quite possibly....Jerry takes his solo around the block for a second go around after the double stop, and I get goosebumps every time I hear it! Great show from a great run!! Get all 3...

Notes

DSBD> DAT> CD> eac> SHN; via N. Georges